From job losses to doomsday scenarios, not all risks are created equal
Bernie Sanders warns of AI’s dangers
Timothy Page
Two-vehicle crash on Route 128 results in DUI arrest
According to police, 38-year-old Jennifer Lee of Winooski was driving north on Route 128 in a 2023 Toyota RAV4 when her vehicle crossed the center line into the southbound lane. Lee’s vehicle then struck a 2013 Hyundai Tucson driven by 58-year-old Gretchen Woerner of Milton, who was traveling south.
The phantom on Vermont maps
For the Vermont place called Satans Kingdom, the devil lays only in the details.
VT Headlines: Missing kayaker found alive and well in northern Vermont
Vermonters turn to forests for therapy; Cell-phone use affects parent-child interactions, even when adults aren’t online; Inmate who escaped New Hampshire correctional facility caught in Connecticut; Nicole Miller: The freeze of federal funding for after-school programs and its impact in Vermont
Attorney General Clark blocks ‘machine gun conversion’ devices in Vermont
The action comes after Clark and attorneys general from 15 other jurisdictions sued the Trump Administration and gun component manufacturer Rare Breed Triggers over plans to return and distribute thousands of FRTs—devices the AG says increase a firearm’s rate of fire and have been linked to violent crimes and mass shootings.
Dawson: Helping Vermont tackle the tourist season
While that’s great news for business, it isn’t so great for locals or the environment, which can withstand the impact of overcrowding, pollution, and traffic during peak months.
Despathy: Trans activists fill cult-like void in youths’ lives
With coupons for testosterone, minds molded by heavily monetized influencers, a false sense of belonging and support from online chatrooms dominated by questionable facilitators, impressionable, vulnerable youth sacrifice their minds and bodies for mutilation falsely labeled as healthcare.
Burlington man arrested for three robberies at Jake’s ONE Market
The robberies occurred on May 19th at 8:23 AM, June 11th at 8:38 AM, and July 6th at 7:51 AM. All three incidents took place at Jake’s ONE Market located at 242 N Winooski Ave in Burlington.
Wrong way driver on I-89 for 20 miles
Dezhong Jiang, 58, of Flushing, N.Y. was driving south in the northbound lane and nearly caused at least one head-on crash before state police got him stopped in Royalton near the exit 3 interchange about 2 a.m. Sunday, police said.
Becca Balint calls for the Epstein files to be released
In a post on X late Thursday, Rep. Balint accused the Trump administration of attempting to bury the issue, sharing vintage photos of Trump alongside Epstein and others, including Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate now serving a prison sentence.
Driver flees after stolen vehicle crashes into Fair Haven Police cruiser
While turning onto the westbound on-ramp for U.S. 4 at the exit 2 interchange, the unidentified driver lost control of the Silverado and collided at a slow speed with the black police cruiser with a full blue light package, Acting State Police Lt. Todd Wilkins said.
CLG: Trump denies cover-up in Jeffrey Epstein case
Tucker Carlson: Gov’t is ‘covering up’ Epstein files to protect U.S., Israeli intelligence services; Secret Service officials were aware of ‘classified threat’ 10 days before Butler assassination attempt, failed to tell agents guarding Trump; Pediatrician fired for vile post suggesting Texas flood victims were Trump supporters who got ‘what they voted for’
VT Headlines: Colchester police investigate reported hit-and-run
Renovations to Kellog-Hubbard Library in Montpelier nearly complete after suffering flood damage; Burlington kicks off wastewater plant upgrade
Bossange: Trump’s violation of our Bill of Rights
Using hateful, divisive, dehumanizing, and revenge-laced language like “dumb,” “animals,” “people with bad genes,” “rapists,” “criminals,” and “left-wing Marxists” to describe Democrats, citizens and non-citizens who oppose the President’s actions, inciting anger and giving MAGA supporters license to attack Americans with differing opinions.
Soulia: VT ends telework for some ESD staff, highlighting oversight gaps in government remote work
Vermont’s decision to end telework for roughly 100 employees in its Economic Services Division (ESD) has reignited a broader national debate over remote work in government—and the lack of systems to measure whether it’s working.
Governor Scott reflects on 2023 and 2024 floods
“In the last two years, more than 150 cities, towns, and villages across Vermont felt the impacts of flooding, which caused over a billion dollars in damage.
But instead of throwing up our hands, Vermonters rolled up their sleeves and got to work.”
Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas leads international trip to Taiwan
Several secretaries of state journeyed as part of a National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) delegation to Taiwan. The trip included meetings with government officials, universities, business and agriculture leaders.
Flynn and Moore: Learning to build for climate extremes
Our ancestors built covered bridges and stone foundations that lasted centuries. Today’s challenge is no different – to ensure the infrastructure we are currently building lasts, we must build for the climate we’re inheriting, not the one we’ve lost.
Tactical squad arrests man for aggravated assault
Vermont State Police arrested Erik Fulton, 37, of Royalton, on charges of domestic violence after an incident that started Wednesday night, and ended early Thursday, when police’s special tactical team was called in.
Klar: Supreme Court decision on parental rights goes beyond education
It’s a matter of choice.
Racing waiters, baking bread and a visit from Lafayette fill Vermont’s French Heritage Day
Winooski has French bread and Quebecois roots — and now the taste of chicken banh mi from Vietnam, colorful weave-work crafted by Nepalese hands and Kenyan folk music.
VT Headlines: Howard Center announces service cuts and layoffs to fill $2.5M hole
Vermont towns try to move, or fortify, their flood-prone buildings; Rutland’s karate kid is only Vermonter picked for world championships
Scott names new fish & wildlife, conservation, health care leaders
Governor Phil Scott July 9 announced a trio of high-level appointments to key leadership positions within Vermont state government, naming Sara Teachout to the Green Mountain Care Board, Jason Batchelder as Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Misty Sinsigalli as Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Pure white whistle pig sighted in Vermont
Its pure white fur could be due to one of two conditions: albinism or leucism.
Vermont Climate Superfund lawsuits pile up as advocacy groups join defense
The Vermont Climate Superfund Law aimed at holding oil companies financially responsible for flooding and other damages caused by climate change is facing a flurry of litigation that Gov. Phil Scott anticipated when he declined to endorse the measure last year.
Vermont Climate Plan update recognizes federal climate $$ is “abruptly ending”
The adoption of the new Climate Action Plan comes at a time when the federal government is pulling back on key policies, such as support for electrification of vehicles and deployment of renewable energy, and curtailing funding.
Migrant Justice leader from Milton remains jailed in Border Patrol case
Migrant Justice has claimed Heidi “Fabi” Perez Alfaro, 18, a recent Milton High graduate, and her stepfather, Jose Ignacio “Nacho” De La Cruz, 29, had been delivering meals to farm workers in Richford when they were stopped about noon Saturday June 14 by a U.S. Border Patrol Agent.
Livingston: Cut it out—before it spreads
That’s us—America—riddled with ideological trench lines and carpet-bombed by generations of political theater.
Today’s the birthday of Vermont’s pioneering Jewish community
The July 9, 1888 incorporation of Congregation Benai Israel in Poultney
VT Headlines: Wrong prisoner is brought to Court, derailing a hearing
Funeral procession for Shelburne police chief Wednesday morning; New Shelter To Open in Montpelier; VINS to Host Incredible Insect Festival this Saturday in Quechee
Roper: Civil Unions was “Jim Crow” for same-sex couples
Why celebrate this “separate but equal” policy?
America’s gun violence story isn’t what you think
Lumping together high-crime metro areas with low-crime rural states may make for easy national statistics, but it doesn’t help us understand the problem. Worse, it leads to policy debates that treat Vermont like Chicago or Montana like Baltimore — even though the lived reality is worlds apart.
Soulia: School libraries and movie ratings
A growing discrepancy over content standards
What the One Big Beautiful Bill for Vermonters
What changes and what doesn’t
Federal school choice program launches
Will Vermont get on board?
BREAKING: Jiron who helped in double homicide pleads guilty
The defendant, the nephew of state judge Justin Jiron, admitted he conspired with Theodore “Theo” Bland, 29, of Burlington, who gunned down two people and then concealed evidence about the double homicide in Lowell on Oct. 12, 2023.
These two lawmakers blocked popular Veterans’ Bill for eight years
With two chairs who didn’t consider a tax exemption for veterans important enough, the bill was never brought up for a vote.
Letter: Chinese consulate responds to VDC readers’ comments
China continues to prioritize environmental protection and the transition to a green economy, a consulate press officer tells VDC.
Mott: Want to end political violence? Try friendship.
With an increase in political violence across the nation, one worries what could happen in Vermont. Do our legislators need more security? Are our public officials at risk of attack? Support for political violence has recently surged amongst Democrats.
BREAKING: Burlington Mayor pulls plug on free overnight parking for homeless
Even before it started, the City of Burlington has pulled the plug on a controversial plan to allow up to a dozen homeless families park overnight on the shores of Lake Champlain.
Koch: Brainless law allows anyone to sue the state
It is no surprise, then, that the Conservation Law Foundation, which is proficient in bringing lawsuits, has taken the state up on its offer.
CLG: Tucker Carlson interviews the president of Iran
Marjorie Taylor Greene says her bill would make the release of “weather-altering chemicals” a felony offense; At least 51 dead in Texas floods, with dozens still missing from summer camp; FBI blocked probe into alleged Chinese 2020 election meddling to protect Wray, documents show
VT Headlines: Search team recovers body from Kennedy Pond in Windsor
Swimmer rescued from Dog River in Berlin; Senator Welch to introduce bill aiming to improve FEMA’s long-term disaster recovery
ATF agents bust illegal immigrant for attempted murder at South Burlington bookstore
Michael A. Wilson, 24, of Burlington was wanted on a state charge of attempted second-degree murder for the shooting outside the Barnes & Noble at 102 Dorset Street, South Burlington Police said.
Vermont State Police, Game Wardens urge Vermonters to boat safely this Fourth of July weekend
The Vermont Warden Service, Vermont State Police and other local law enforcement agencies will be partnering with the National Association of Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard by participating in the Operation Dry Water heightened awareness and enforcement weekend, which takes place July 4-6, 2025.
Soulia: Student privacy vs. parental rights
What schools must disclose in 2025 (and why Vermont isn’t all there yet)
Burlington sets up free overnight parking for homeless on the waterfront
Households meeting homeless criteria will be able to park up to 12 vehicles overnight on the shores of Lake Champlain under a new pilot project by the city of Burlington. There are rules, but no indication as to who, if anyone, will enforce them.
Letters: Prison pastor called to mercy, media AWOL on rabbi’s departure
Prison can be a rescue shelter for God’s children who have wandered away and find themselves lost.
Roper: State will deduct 5% of some workers’ wages unless they opt out of VT Saves
Employees can opt-out of the program but have to actively do so after being forcibly enrolled.
Idaho quadruple killer studied Vermonster Ted Bundy
Killer Bryan Kohberger reportedly researched Burlington, Vermont native Ted Bundy’s killing style
Keelan: Public schools’ uncertainty
The crisis facing Vermont’s education had its genesis, not 30 years ago but 50-plus years ago.
The untold history of genetic modification
The artificial split between “genetically modified” and “natural” foods obscures reality: all domesticated species result from human-directed genetic change. The choice isn’t between “natural” and “artificial” foods, but between different methods of genetic modification.
Klar: Genetically engineered trees, coming soon to a grove near you
Controversial GE chestnut tree under review for USDA approval.
Breaking: Shelburne Police Chief Mike Thomas dies
Thomas had fought a couple of courageous battles with cancer off-and-on for several years, but succumbed on Monday evening, officials said. Thomas had spent two dozen years in law enforcement, including three years as police chief in Shelburne.
Marlene Tromp starts as UVM President
Tromp comes to UVM after serving six years as president of Boise State University. The UVM Board of Trustees announced her selection on March 20, 2025, following a search that examined over 100 candidates.
Cohen: Vermont synagogue in crisis – no answers
Ohavi Zedek Synagogue officials have a new cover story for ousting Aaron Philmus.
VT Headlines: New VT laws for July 1 affect library books, bake sales and job ads
Grand Isle bake shop becomes an unexpected destination on Route 2 in Vermont; The Skinny Pancake, Einstein’s Tap House team to bring free Grateful Dead series to Burlington
Soulia: New tuition rules take effect July 1
Families have until Monday to lock in funding for independent schools
Honduran fugitive wanted for trafficking weapons detained on immigrant charge
An illegal immigrant listed as a wanted international fugitive for a weapons trafficking charge in Honduras has been ordered jailed in Vermont by a federal judge. Yubert Yasiel Lopez-Lopez, 31, of Burlington appears to have been living in Vermont for at least two years despite having been ordered removed from the United States four times over the past 11 years, federal court records show.
CLG: Multiple dead as snipers ambush firefighters and police in Coeur d’Alene, ID, after ‘blaze set as bait’
Africa peace deal brokered by Trump tied to U.S. resource push; Kash Patel claims he has proof former FBI bosses buried evidence that China interfered in 2020 election; Iranian nuclear scientist and his family killed in Israeli attack;
Swanton Sector Border Patrol reports 300+ apprehensions from 45 nations
Fire displaces 10; Sledgehammer assault in St. J; Child beating
Roper: Climate action plan demands spend, spend, spend!
But no clue where the money will come from?
New historical marker recognizes early same-sex couple
“Sylvia Drake and Charity Bryant lived together in Weybridge from 1807 until Charity’s death in 1851 as one of the most well-documented same-sex couples in early America,” according to a Middlebury College website.
Deal: Balint “vigilante” comment incites sedition
Balint owes the family of slain Vermonter and Border Patrol agent David Maland an apology.
Cohen: Top Vermont lawyer goes nat’l defending “socialism s—“
“If we don’t plow the streets and fix the roads, the people aren’t going to put up with this socialism s—.” – John Franco, ex-aide to socialist Bernie Sanders
The surprising shifts climate change is bringing to Vermont farms
Vermonters turn climate uncertainty into new opportunity.
Sanders, Welch urge Hegseth to save VT veterans support program
Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch wrote a letter to the Department of Defense on Wednesday, urging Secretary Pete Hegseth to restore funding for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BYR) programs — a nationwide network of support services that includes Vermont’s Veterans and Family Outreach Program.
Coester announces 2026 bid for Congress
Pledges to “finish what we started”
Cohen: when Iran held a Vermont educator hostage
Former Burlington school superintendent was one of Iran’s U.S. hostages in 1979
Ex-Burlington Police Chief Murad appears to be out of the running for SB Police post
Baker said the city received 14 applications to replace Chief Shawn Burke, who resigned, effective in March, to take a two-year post as the interim police chief in Burlington.
Klar: New York bill limiting cows sparks farmer revolt
Big city sponsors face off against rural dairies.
Soulia: Why Constitutions define the law — not public opinion
Many people seem genuinely shocked when the law is enforced as written. But that kind of surprise often stems from not understanding the rules in the first place. And in the United States, those rules are defined by constitutions — at both the federal and state level.
Mexican consulate at Christ Church in Montpelier once again
Overshadowed by the recent detention of two migrant workers in Vermont, the annual mobile Mexican Consulate event at Christ Church in Montpelier brought at least 132 people from around Vermont to the capital city on Saturday, June 21. Notably fewer people attended compared to last year, when over 200 attended.
VT Headlines: Family of missing Fair Haven woman continues search for answers
Westminster’s Compass School closes its doors after 25 years; Chittenden County hotel projects continue in order to meet growing number of Vermont visitors; Morgan receives $37,000 grant for invasive species prevention at Seymour Lake
Roper: Did Republicans get played on Education Reform?
Republicans may have just been tricked into setting themselves up for defeat in 2026.
Vermont Guard Soldiers prove lethality along NATO allies at Immediate Response 25
As the sun set on the final day, U.S. and Hellenic troops executed a second live-fire exercise, using U.S. Humvees and Hellenic tanks under the cover of total darkness. Working together in nighttime conditions added a new level of challenge and helped soldiers improve their coordination, communication, and trust.
Vermont rabbi quits under fire
Amid heightening tensions with his bosses for his Pro-Israel politics, Ohavi Zedek Synagogue cleric resigns immediately
CLG: Qatar says it successfully intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at US bases
Active shooter drives truck into church and opens fire on congregation in Michigan; Dow jumps 300 points as oil drops following a restrained retaliation by Iran to U.S. attacks; Suicide bomber ‘kills 22 and injures 63’ in attack on church full of worshipers in Syria
VT Headlines: South Burlington School Board to discuss superintendent’s policy noncompliance
Vermont baseball team executes ‘rough terrain evacuation’ at team bonding event; Scientists expect beech leaf disease to spread throughout Vermont this summer
Soulia: Ellis Island to ICE
The real history of U.S. Immigration Enforcement
Man held without bail after armed confrontation in Lowell
Patrick DeBonville, 30, of Island Pond was ordered held without bail by Judge Rory Thibault after pleading not guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful mischief, reckless endangerment, and illegal firearm possession by a violent felon.
Rosato: Defending parent of child holding F-Trump sign
The protesters were appalled by Trump and Mr. Livingston was appalled by the sign. BOTH have the right to express it.
VT pols vote to ban cellphones at school
Vermont lawmakers voted Monday to ban smartphones and other electronic devices used by students during the school day. The goal is to improve academic performance as well as battle a disturbing rise in the rates of depression and anxiety among young people in the state.
Klar: Burlington renames Church Street to Canada Street in anti-trump snub
Woke Vermonters attempt to entice Canadians with a feeble overture meant to whitewash years of poor, Marxist management that increased crime and decreased economic vitality.
VT hospital network hires 18 new doctors, providers
Health system committed to improving, preserving access to high-quality care
Fernandez: Israel attacks Iran
A regional war could break out if Iran responds by targeting American allies and assets, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Iran could also close the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil flows.
In Montpelier, the pit and the jellyfish
What do a pit and a jellyfish have in common? Find out by reading ‘The Big Pit on State Street.’
Soulia: Becca Balint falls for clickbait article, falsely alarms Vermonters and veterans
Rep. Becca Balint took to Facebook recently and warned that VA doctors can now refuse care to Democrats — a claim that must have caused fear and concern to her Vermont constituents and veterans. But the troubling part isn’t just the claim itself: it’s that a sitting member of Congress, with access to primary documents and official statements, fell for a debunked narrative without pausing to verify the facts.
Gunman gets 6½ years for kidnapping Good Samaritan
Barry C. Perez, 39, formerly of Hartford, Conn., also learned he will be on supervised release for five years once he is discharged from federal prison. Chief Federal Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Perez to make $44,626 in restitution for damage to a box truck, which officials said he had stolen and crashed just before the Good Samaritan stopped to help.
Klar: Immigration by the numbers
Border-crossings plummet, public approval rockets.
Judge rejects Gu’s latest legal move
Gu, who owned homes in Dorset and Winhall, maintains that all her defense lawyers before, during and after trial, including on appeals were lacking in some way, court records show. She wants her three criminal convictions overturned and to strike a $107,117 restitution order to the Bank of Bennington, one of the five financial institutions she and a co-defendant targeted in the case.
Letter: Hatred in the mouth of babes
No matter what your politics are, dragging children into the mud of adult hatred should never be normalized.
Slaves in Africa today still waiting for their Juneteenth
Reflecting on the ongoing enslavement of Black Africans in Mauritania while the nation celebrates Juneteenth.
Couple pleads guilty to robbing banks, cannabis dispensary
Federal authorities say Christopher Boisvert, 34, admitted in federal court in Burlington earlier this month to armed bank robbery, and Meghan Cox, 31, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery.
A week with Vermont Green: Inside the plan to build a destination for women’s soccer
Two wins and two sellouts marked this year’s women’s exhibition matches as a permanent team is in the works.
Bananas: With any luck you’re just stupid
Recent studies by professional stupidity testers reveal what many of us have suspected for quite some time – American’s are getting stupider.
McClaughry: One big school system
Originally released Tuesday, January 1, 2002: What does it mean for a state to have One Big School System? For the answer to that, look at the only state that actually has one, Hawaii.
Donahue: The passing of the education bill, and the truth behind it
Contrary to discussions or opinions, it does not save money.
GOP Senate, House leaders: Tax relief, finally
The conversation in Montpelier has shifted from deciding which taxes to increase on already overburdened Vermonters, to deciding where we can actually provide tax relief and reduce costs.
Klar: Vermont free food fracas exposes Progressive folly
A controversial Burlington, Vermont, food distribution center run by self-avowed Marxist anarchists is set to be relocated due to business complaints of increasing crime and declining commerce. Progressive Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak still gave it $10k more.
